Today, my nephew and The Chairman’s cousin left for Ft. Riley, Kansas, where he’ll train for two weeks and be posted to Iraq. I use the word posted advisedly, because Mike—a reserve sergeant—is part of the military’s mail delivery system. Thus, he won’t be charging through closed doors to find out what’s on the other side, but he will be transporting mail down dangerous highways. This is his second deployment, he was in Bosnia a few years ago.
Mike is one of those guys who makes the rest of the males in the family look bad. Mother-in-law needs the front porch rebuilt, and Mike’s there with tools he knows how to use. He’s a great husband to our niece, Kate, and wonderful father to their two young daughters. They’ll miss this gentle bear of a guy who coaches football and teaches high-school history in central Missouri. I haven’t snapped a salute since being mustered out of the Army in March 1961—until today, that is. Mike, I salute you and wish you well and safe return to your family.
Allow me to add my humble thanks along with my sincere wishes for his safety.
May God watch over him.
Posted by: aelfheld at July 7, 2005 08:54 PM